HELMS Brochure2015.pub - Community Living West Northumberland

Partner Agencies
Pathways To Independence
YMCA of Central East Ontario
Community Living Quinte West
Community Visions & Networking
Community Living Belleville & Area
Community Living Campbellford/Brighton
North Hastings Community Integration Association
Community Living West Northumberland
Prince Edward Fitness & Aquatic Centre
Community Living Kingston & District
Community Living Kawartha Lakes
Community Living Prince Edward
Community Living Peterborough
Madoc COPE Inc.
HELMS has been able to add at least two sports to the roster
every season. Sports are as varied as the people participating
in them and everyone’s interests are given consideration.
For more information contact:
Toni Kirby, HELMS Coordinator
11 Canal Street, Trenton, ON, K8V 4K3
Tel: 613-394-2222
Fax: 613-394-0381
Email: helmsprograms@gmail.com
www.helmsprograms.ca
Health Energy Learning Motivation thru Sports was developed in
2009 through the collaboration of five agencies supporting persons
with intellectual disabilities and the YMCAs of Quinte West/Belleville.
In 2013 the program expanded to 12 agencies supporting persons and
three fitness centres. The mandate is to provide people with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to experience community sports
activities in an inclusive manner. This can only be accomplished
through cooperation between the HELMS Steering Committee and the
various community sports partners. Funding is received through various grants and donations and from fundraising. The current funding is
from the Government of Ontario, the partner agencies, and from
fundraising.
The scaffolding method of teaching is used throughout the program to
ensure each person is given the opportunity to achieve their highest
level of competence.
Mission Statement
The HELMS Program supports the beliefs that:
* every person should have the opportunity to participate in sports
that may enrich their lives;
* every person can achieve a healthier life style through participation
in sports;
* every person can become more proficient in sports;
* every person can participate more fully in the life of their
community through sports activities.
Through participation in the HELMS Program, people with an intellectual disability can achieve:
1. Improved overall health, fitness and satisfaction levels
2. Strengthened knowledge of what constitutes a healthy life style
3. Increased motivation and understanding of sports and/or physical
activities avail able to them
4. Increased natural connections to the community
Dog Sledding
Each person works with a team of dogs
and learns all aspects of dog sledding.
People gain confidence and self-esteem
when driving the dog team.
Curling
Each person learns the dynamics of the
game and how to use the equipment. There
is adaptive equipment to assist with balance
and delivery of the stone.
Ice Fishing
Each person learns how to bait the hook,
how to bring in their catch and how
to remove the hook.
Winter Camping
Camping provides opportunities for social
and personal growth within a supportive
environment. Campers develop enhanced
self-esteem which carries over to work and
home.
Darts
The sport is played at local Legions and runs
through the winter months. People learn
balance and eye hand coordination.
Sit Skiing
Guiding Principles
This is an adaptive program that allows
physically challenged persons to experience
the thrill of being on the hills.
The following guiding principles reflect the values of the program and
provide a point of reference for planning and decision-making by the
Steering Committee and staff:
Respect for the Person
Each person has unique needs, goals and desires and should be
treated with respect and dignity for their personal choices.
Snowshoeing
Persons learn the basics of the sport in
a group setting with individual coaching.
The program includes trail outings
Building an Inclusive Community
Each person is supported in their efforts to participate in the community, and HELMS will continue to advocate and pursue opportunities for
inclusion .
Collaboration
Cross Country Skiing
Each person learns the basics of the sport
and advances on an individual basis. The
program includes trail outings.
Forming partnerships and collaborative ventures is essential in order to
effectively and efficiently respond to the needs, goals and desires
of people with a developmental disability.
Managing Change
Sledge Hockey/Developmental Hockey
These two sports follow the same
rules and discipline structure as
regular hockey. Each person learns
the basics of the game at their own
pace, either on a sled or on skates.
As a team player each person is
encouraged to advance to their
highest level of competence.
Change is a necessary part of living, and therefore the outcomes of the
supports and services provided by the organization will be continually
evaluated to ensure that they respond to the needs of each person, as
well as the emerging directions in policy, research and best practices.
Beliefs
Recognizing the fundamental rights and unique potential of all people,
HELMS advocates for inclusion of each person with intellectual disabilities to all aspects of community life.
Tennis
HELMS Summer Programs
All programs included sessions on the health benefits of summer
sports.
Golfing
Golf is enjoyed at community golf courses.
People who are take lessons or use the
driving range to develop their skills.
The game is played on community
tennis courts with lessons provided
by tennis pros. Support staff assist
as needed.
HELMS Year Round Programs
Lawn Bowling
People play at community lawn bowling clubs.
There is adaptive equipment available to assist
with a person’s delivery and balance. Support
staff assist when necessary.
Fishing
People learn the basics of baiting and unbaiting the hook and how to land their catch.
This sport can be enjoyed in a boat on the water or from shore.
Sailing
This is an adaptive program for people
with disabilities. Sailors sail solo or with a
support staff.
Baseball
The game is played at community fields and is run by
volunteers and support staff. All levels of abilities
are encouraged to play the game.
Dragon Boating
Individuals are challenged to work
together to develop team work and
leadership skills.
Fitness Activities
Participants have full access to fitness
programs, equipment, gym, and pools at
the local community fitness centres.
Support staff accompany persons needing
assistance.
Horseback Riding/Trail Riding
People learn how to ride a horse but also
learn how to tack up and tack down and
how to look after the horse. Lessons are
either private or group and are based on
the skills of the riders. Trail riding is done
after a person has become an experienced
rider.
HELMS Winter Programs
All programs include sessions on the health benefits of winter sports.
Skiing/Snowboarding
This program is designed to
help people with intellectual
disabilities learn to ski or
snowboard. Lessons follow
the regular program with
adjustments made to suit
each person’s needs